Halloween could be particularly scary this year for valley motorists who get behind the wheel impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Henderson Police are reminding motorists that the best treat is a safe and sober ride home after a Halloween party.
Henderson officers will be joining forces with officers from neighboring jurisdictions from Sunday, Oct. 20 through Nov. 3, looking for impaired drivers. This is the first enforcement event of the year funded by the 2015 Joining Forces program grant.
“Halloween is one of the busiest times of the year for child and adult pedestrians to be walking through neighborhoods,” Henderson Police Chief Patrick Moers said in a statement. “We ask both motorists to stay sober and alert, so that everyone can enjoy the holiday safely.”
Police encourage anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver to call 9-1-1, and provide a vehicle description, location and direction of travel, and if possible the license plate number of the vehicle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 44 percent of all highway fatalities throughout the nation on Halloween weekend involve a drunk driver or a drunk motorcycle rider. In 2013, 144 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in Clark County. Alcohol was a contributing factor in 55 of those deaths, according to the Nevada Department of Public Safety – Office of Traffic Safety.
The Henderson Police Department received $107,500 in federal funding through the Nevada Department of Public Safety – Office of Traffic Safety for the 2015 Joining Forces program. The grant provides money for enforcement and education to reduce deaths and injuries on Nevada roadways.
Enforcement events during the year will focus on pedestrian safety, seat belt use, speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving.
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